Drilling fluid additive system containing graphite and carrier

ABSTRACT

A drilling fluid additive system is provided wherein the system is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing graphite with at least one carrier such as a polypropylene glycol or oil to create a suspended mixture, and allowing the surface of the graphite to be pre-wet with the carrier prior to adding the mixture to a drilling fluid; and then further admixing hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and at least one dispersant to said drilling fluid additive system.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/196265, entitled “Drilling Fluid Additive System ContainingTalc & Carrier” which was filed on Jul. 17, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides a drilling fluid additive systemcomprising: a drilling fluid additive comprising graphite and at leastone carrier wherein the carrier is selected from a group consisting ofoils, esters, glycols, cellulose, olefins and mixtures thereof; andhydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and at leastone dispersant. More specifically, the present invention relates to adrilling fluid additive system manufactured by a method comprising:admixing graphite and at least one carrier to form a drilling fluidadditive mixture; and further admixing hydrophilic clay, a pHcontroller, a fluid loss controller, and at least one dispersant to thedrilling fluid additive mixture.

[0004] 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0005] New technology in drilling for oil and gas now includeshorizontal drilling. The horizontal drilling concept exposes moresurface area of the producing zone than the conventional verticaldrilling operations. For example, if a producing zone is fifty feet inthickness and a vertical well is drilled through such a zone, then onlyfifty feet of the producing zone will be exposed for production. Incontrast, a horizontally drilled well may penetrate the producing sandor zone by one thousand feet or more. The amount or volume of oil or gasproduction is directly proportional to the horizontal penetration infeet into the producing sand or zone. In horizontal or directionaldrilling where the drill pipe must bend in order to achieve the desiredpenetration into the producing zone, friction becomes a major problem.The primary source of friction is directly related to the adhesion ofthe drilling assembly to the wall cake which lines the drilled wellbore. The capillary attractive forces generated by the adhesion of thedrilling assembly to the wall cake are directly proportional to theamount or footage of the drilling assembly exposed to the surface of thewall cake.

[0006] In horizontal or directional wells, many methods have been usedin order to reduce friction between the drilling assembly and the wallcake. One such method would be to add a liquid lubricant to the drillingfluid in order to reduce the coefficient of friction of the drillingfluid. These liquid lubricants include oils, such as hydrocarbon basedoils, vegetable oils, glycols, etc. These liquid lubricants will usuallyreduce the coefficient of friction of the drilling fluid resulting in areduction of friction between the drilling assembly and the wall cake ofthe well bore.

[0007] When the liquid lubricant is added to the drilling fluid, it hasseveral options as to how it will react. One option is that thelubricant remains isolated and does not mix well with the drillingfluid. A second option is that the lubricant emulsifies with the waterin the drilling fluid to form an oil-in-water emulsion. Still anotheroption is the oil attaching itself to the commercial solids in thedrilling fluid or to the drilled cuttings or drilled solids. In certaincircumstances, some of the liquid lubricant might be deposited orsmeared onto the wall cake of the well bore. The ideal scenario would beto have all of the liquid lubricant deposited on the wall cake.

[0008] Those experienced in drilling fluid engineering know that a thin,tough, pliable, and lubricious wall cake is most desirable. Theintegrity of a wall cake is determined by several factors. The thicknessof a wall cake is directly proportional to the amount of liquid leavingthe drilling fluid, and being forced into the wall of the well bore byhydrostatic pressure. The thickness of the wall cake is also determinedby the type and particle size of the solids in the drilling fluid.Particle Size Distribution, or PSD is important to the wall cakeintegrity. Experts in drilling fluids also know that materials such asbentonite clay, starches, lignites and polymers are all used to buildacceptable wall cakes. It is known in the prior art that various foodgrade vegetable oils are acceptable lubricants when used alone inwater-based drilling fluids. It is also known in the prior art thatround co-polymer beads when used alone in water-based drilling fluidsfunction as a good friction reducer. However, much more is required toimprove the wall cake integrity and lubricity of most well bores.

[0009] Furthermore, the solids control equipment used on the drillingrigs today is far superior as to what was used 15 to 20 years ago. Inthe past, drilling rig shale shakers would probably be limited to screensizes of about 20-40 mesh on the shakers. These coarser mesh screenswould allow pieces of shale and the drilled formation to pass throughthe shaker screens back into the drilling fluid and then recirculatedback down the well bore. As these larger than colloidal size particlesmake their way back up the well bore to the surface, the action of thedrilling assembly rotating within the well bore forces these largerparticles into the surface of the well bore. For example: a 20×20 meshshaker screen would allow a drilled cutting sized at 863 microns or0.0340 inches to pass through it and then the cutting would be returnedto the well bore and some of these 863 micron cuttings would eventuallybe embedded into the wall cake. This would give the wall cake surface atexture resembling that of coarse sandpaper. These larger particleswould allow the drilling fluid to channel and pass between the drillingassembly and the wall cake thereby reducing the negative effect of thecapillary attractive forces generated by the close contact of thedrilling assembly with the wall cake. The instances of the drillingassembly becoming stuck to the wall cake when less efficient solidscontrol equipment, such as shale shakers, that were used, was much lessthan it is today. The more efficient shale shakers today are a greatimprovement for the drilling fluids but the instances of sticking thedrilling assembly are higher. The reason for a higher rate of stuckdrilling assemblies today could be blamed on cleaning the drilling fluidto efficiently. Today many drilling rigs utilize cascading shaleshakers, which eventually pass the drilling fluid through 200 mesh or 74micron screens. This is very positive for controlling the percentage ofdrilled solids in the drilling fluid but it also affects the texture,the thickness and the surface of the wall cake. The finer the solids onthe surface of the wall cake are, the greater the capillary attractiveforces will be between the drilling assembly and the wall cake.

[0010] The present invention provides a method of enhancing the surfaceand the thickness of the wall cake. In order to accomplish this, theinvention provides a method, which adds something to improve the textureof the surface of the wall cake, and then adds something to preventlarge amounts of water from leaving the drilling fluid then passingthrough the wall cake into the formation. The present invention alsoprovides a carrier for the colloidal solids and beads, which also actsas a lubricant for the drilling fluid. The present invention furtherprovides a process that reduces the effect of capillary attractiveforces between the drilling assembly and the wall cake, thereby reducingthe tendency of the drilling assembly to become stuck. In high angledirectional wells where down hole motors are used to rotate the drillbit and the drill pipe remains stationary, it is important that thedrilling assembly can “slide” as the drilling bit cuts more holes. Thepresent invention improves the ability to “slide” while drilling asstated above.

[0011] The drilling fluid additive of the present invention has thefollowing functions: borehole stability; shields water sensitive shales;is a superior pore throat sealer; seals depleted sands andmicrofractures; and lowers HTHP/dynamic filtrate. In addition, theadditive of the present invention also provides the following benefits:low spurt loss in sands; reduces hole reaming and fill; and providesnear gauge hole. The drilling fluid additive of the present inventionalso functions as a partial plugging agent. For purposes of thisinvention, the term “partial plugging agent (PPG)” is defined as aproduct that wholly or partially plugs up a hole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a drillingfluid additive system comprising: graphite and at least one carrier; andhydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and at leastone dispersant. In another embodiment, the system further comprisescopolymer beads. In still another embodiment, the carrier is selectedfrom a group consisting of oils, hydrocarbon oils, vegetable oils,mineral oils, paraffin oils, synthetic oils, diesel oils, corn oil,peanut oil, esters, glycols, cellulose, olefins and mixtures thereof Inyet another embodiment, the carrier comprises soybean oil. In still yetanother embodiment, the carrier comprises polypropylene glycol.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the solids comprises from about 2% toabout 50% of the additive; and the carrier comprises from about 50% toabout 98% of the additive. In yet a further embodiment, the beadscomprises from about 2% to about 50% of the additive.

[0014] In still a further embodiment, the system further comprises aweighting agent, the weighting agent is selected from group consistingof barium sulfate (barite), calcium carbonate, hematite, and salts. Instill yet a further embodiment, the pH controller is selected from agroup consisting of caustic acid, potassium hydroxide, lime and sodiumhydroxide. In another further embodiment, the fluid loss controller isselected from a group consisting of lignites, polyacrylamide andgraphite uintaite (Gilsonite™) glycol dispersions. In yet anotherfurther embodiment, the hydrophilic clay is selected from a groupconsisting of bentonite and kaolin clay. In still another furtherembodiment, the dispersant is selected from a group consisting oflignite, lignosulfonate and tannin.

[0015] In still yet another further embodiment, the system furthercomprises a chemical inhibitor, the chemical inhibitor is selected froma group consisting of gypsum, lime, potassium chloride, potassiumhydroxide, magnesium sulfate and calcium sulfate.

[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to adrilling fluid additive system manufactured by a method comprising of:admixing graphite with at least one carrier to create a suspendedadditive mixture, the suspended additive mixture allowing the surface ofthe graphite to be pre-wet with the carrier prior to adding the mixtureto a drilling fluid; and further admixing hydrophilic clay, a pHcontroller, a fluid loss controller, and at least one dispersant to thedrilling fluid additive system. In still another embodiment, the systemfurther comprises admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture, thecopolymer beads having an affinity for oils, esters, glycols andolefins.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the beads have a specific gravity atfrom about 1.0 to about 1.5 and a size from about 40 microns to about1500 microns. In still yet another embodiment, the beads are comprisedof styrene and divinylbenzene.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the carrier is selected from a groupconsisting of oils, hydrocarbon oils, vegetable oils, mineral oils,paraffin oils, synthetic oils, diesel oils, esters, glycols, cellulose,olefins and mixtures thereof. In still a further embodiment, the systemgraphite comprises from about 2% to about 50% of the additive mixture;and the carrier comprises from about 50% to about 98% of the additivemixture. In yet a further embodiment, the beads comprises from about 2%to about 50% of the additive mixture.

[0019] In still yet a further embodiment, the system further comprisesadmixing a weighting agent, the weighting agent is selected from a groupconsisting of barium sulfate (barite), calcium carbonate, hematite, andsalts. In another embodiment, the system further comprises admixing achemical inhibitor, the chemical inhibitor is selected from a groupconsisting of gypsum, lime, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide,magnesium sulfate, potassium formate and calcium sulfate. In yet anotherembodiment, the pH controller is selected from a group consisting ofcaustic acid, potassium hydroxide, lime and sodium hydroxide.

[0020] In still another embodiment, the fluid loss controller isselected from a group consisting of lignites, polyacrylamide andgraphite uintaite (Gilsonite™) glycol dispersions. In still yet anotherembodiment, the hydrophilic clay is selected from a group consisting ofbentonite and kaolin clay. In a further embodiment, the dispersant isselected from a group consisting of lignite and lignosulfonate.

[0021] In another further embodiment, the present invention relates to amethod of manufacturing a drilling fluid additive system, the methodcomprising: shearing graphite with at least one carrier to create asuspended mixture to thereby allow the surface of the graphite to bepre-wet with the carrier; admixing copolymer beads to the suspendedmixture; and further admixing hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluidloss controller, and at least one dispersant to the drilling fluidadditive system. In yet another further embodiment, the carriercomprises oil and a glycol. In still another further embodiment, thesystem further comprises allowing the beads to be pre-wet with thecarrier and shearing until a homogeneous mixture is formed. In still yetanother further embodiment, the system further comprises injecting thedrilling fluid additive system into a wellbore.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides for adrilling fluid additive system comprising: a first mixture of graphiteand oil in combination with a second mixture of graphite and glycol toform a drilling fluid additive; and hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, afluid loss controller, and at least one dispersant. In another furtherembodiment, the first mixture comprises from about 1% to about 99% ofthe additive and the second mixture comprises from about 1% to about 99%of the additive.

[0023] Graphite

[0024] Graphite has been used for many years as a lubricant. Thelubricating mechanism of graphite is thought to be mechanical in natureand results from the sliding of one graphite particle over anothergraphite particle. Graphite may be used as a dry lubricant or may bedispersed in lubricating oil. Graphite particles may also beincorporated into a grease product for improved lubrication. Becausegraphite has the reputation for being a superior lubricant, variousgrades of graphite were tested in various water-based drilling fluid. Itwas concluded that dry graphite added to a water-based drilling fluidreduced the friction very little. One of the objectives of the presentinvention is to improve the lubricating qualities of graphite in awater-based drilling mud. Since all the tests using dry graphite provedunsuccessful, it was determined that the surface of the graphite washydrophobic or organophilic. The process of the present invention allowsthe graphite to be surface coated with the glycol carrier rendering thesurface of the graphite particles hydrophilic.

[0025] Another problem with adding untreated graphite to a water-baseddrilling fluid, which contains a percentage of oil (either animal,vegetable or hydrocarbon oil), is that the graphite has a propensity tomigrate to the oil and form an oil-wet slurry. The slurry is screenedout over the fine mesh rig shaker and the slurry containing the graphiteis lost. Another object of the present invention is to prevent thegraphite from migrating to the oil and being discarded during thescreening process. The carrier coating process of the present inventionallows the coated graphite particles to remain dispersed throughout themud system.

[0026] Another object of the present invention was to successfullysuspend the graphite in a dispersion with a glycol carrier so that thecarrier would not settle to the bottom of the container and be unusable.The carrier-coated graphite of the present invention acts as anexcellent fluid loss additive thereby improving the filter cakeintegrity of the water-based mud. The hydrophilic, glycol-coatedgraphite particles would seem to be ideal particle pluggers and it isbelieved that the graphite particles or platelets would stack one on topof the other. In a further embodiment and in order to create asuspension of graphite in a glycol carrier with an extended shelf life,it was determined that additional solids having a specific gravity ofapproximately 1 to 1.2 might improve the suspension. In anotherembodiment, the present invention adds uintaite (Gilsonite™) to improvethe suspension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporatedin and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or moreembodiments of the present invention, and together with the description,serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 1 is a graph representing talc particle size versus volume inpercent; and

[0029]FIG. 2 is a graph representing the percent of beads suspended inoil versus the talc concentration as percent by weight of oil.

[0030] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed,other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification andinclude exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustratevarious objects and features thereof

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodiedin various forms. The figures are not necessary to scale, some featuresmay be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

[0032] The present invention relates to a uintaite-based(Gilsonite™-based) dispersion fluid that is environmentally safe; passesLC50; and has no sheen. For purposes of this invention, “LC50” isdefined as an acceptable environmental guideline. The term “sheen” isdefined as an oil film or coating. The drilling fluid additive of thepresent invention has a 1.08 specific gravity and is temperature stable.

[0033] The present invention provides a process that includes selectingspecific materials having different particle sizes and then pre-wettingeach particle with an environmentally acceptable carrier prior to addingthese particles to the water-based drilling fluid. This process producesmuch improved wall cake integrity and lubricity. The present inventionalso teaches that various glycols are excellent carriers for varioussolid friction reducers and wall cake enhancers. The present inventionhas also discovered that pre-wetting the graphite with a carrier such asglycol renders the graphite hydrophilic, which improves the lubricationor friction reducing capacity of the graphite as well as the particleplugging ability of the graphite. The other criterion is that theproducts and its components have to be environmentally friendly.

[0034] Talc & Carrier

[0035] In accordance with the manufacturing process of the presentinvention, talc powder is sheared with an environmentally friendlycarrier such as glycol. The shearing should continue until each or mostof the organophilic or hydrophobic talc particles are coated with theglycol. In one embodiment, the talc powder most preferred would be onewith a particle size from about 1 micron to about 20 microns and onewhich would produce a bell shaped curve having the majority of theparticles in the 2 micron to 8 micron size, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The polymeric beads of the present invention should be a solidparticle, preferably round and have a specific gravity close to 1.0 andhave a size from about 100 microns to about 900 microns. The beads mustalso have an affinity for oils, esters, olefins and glycols, etc. It wasdetermined that a copolymer bead manufactured by Dow Chemical comprisedof styrene and divinylbenzene would be acceptable.

[0037] The colloidal solids of the present invention should have a sizerange of 2-10 microns since tests have proven that this particle sizewill bridge sandstone having a permeability of 200 md. The solids mustalso have an affinity for oils, esters, olefins and glycols, etc. In oneembodiment, the solids are talc. The talc of the present invention alsofunctions as an excellent suspending agent in both oils and glycols.FIG. 1 depicts a graphical representation of the particle size of talcand Table 1, as set forth below, represents the result statistics forthe particle size for talc: TABLE 1 Particle Size Statistics For TalcConcentration = Vol Density= Spec. SA= 0.0136% 2.650 g/cub.cm 0.5176sq.m/g Dist. Type: Vol D (v, 0.1) = D (v, 0.5) = D (v, 0.9) = MeanDiameters: 2.40 um 5.28 um 11.68 um D [4, 3] = D [3,2] = Span =Uniformity = 6.30 um 4.37 um 1.760E+00 5.495E−01 Size Low (um) In % SizeHigh (um) Under % 0.31 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.42 0.00 0.42 0.00 0.490.00 0.49 0.00 0.58 0.00 0.58 0.00 0.67 0.00 0.67 0.00 0.78 0.00 0.780.00 0.91 0.00 0.91 0.02 1.06 0.02 1.06 0.32 1.24 0.35 1.24 0.94 1.441.29 1.44 1.83 1.68 3.12 1.68 2.51 1.95 5.62 1.95 2.94 2.28 8.57 2.285.05 2.65 13.62 2.65 6.89 3.09 20.51 3.09 7.96 3.60 28.47 3.60 7.81 4.1936.29 4.19 8.89 4.88 45.18 4.88 9.49 5.69 54.67 5.69 9.05 6.63 63.726.63 8.60 7.72 72.33 7.72 7.61 9.00 79.94 9.00 6.35 10.48 86.29 10.485.02 12.21 91.31 12.21 3.70 14.22 95.01 14.22 2.47 16.57 98.95 16.571.46 19.31 99.68 19.31 0.73 22.49 100.00 22.49 0.27 26.20 100.00 26.200.05 30.53 100.00 30.53 0.00 35.56 100.00 35.56 0.00 41.43 100.00 41.430.00 48.27 100.00 48.27 0.00 56.23 100.00 56.23 0.00 65.51 100.00 65.510.00 76.32 100.00 76.32 0.00 88.91 100.00 88.91 0.00 103.58 100.00103.58 0.00 120.67 100.00 120.67 0.00 140.58 100.00 140.58 0.00 163.77100.00 163.77 0.00 190.80 100.00 190.80 0.00 222.28 100.00 222.28 0.00258.95 100.00 258.95 0.00 301.68 100.00

[0038] The carrier of the present invention may be selected fromdifferent oils, olefins, esters, fatty acids, cellulose and glycols. Inanother embodiment, the carrier may be synthetic oils, diesel oils, riceoils, cottonseed oils, corn oils, safalour oils, linseed oils, coconutoils, vegetable oils, mineral oils, animal oils and paraffin oils. Instill another embodiment, the carrier is soybean oil. The oil coating onthe hydrophobic talc particles enhances the plugging action of the talcacross or into micro fractures in sands, shale and other substances downhole.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to amethod of manufacturing a drilling fluid additive whereby talc andcopolymer beads are added to soybean oil and mixed or sheared until eachparticle of talc and each copolymer bead is oil wet. A first sample wasproduced by addition of 350 grams of soybean oil with 5 grams of talcand 100 grams of polymer beads to the oil, and then mixing all thecomponents for 10 minutes using a waring blender. After blending, themixture was placed in a beaker for observation. The mixture appearedhomogeneous and initially resembled buttermilk. After 5 minutes, thebeads began to settle. After one hour, all the beads settled to thebottom of the beaker and some of the oil began separating from themixture and clear oil was present at the upper portion of the beaker.After sitting overnight (10 hours later), the upper portion of thebeaker was clear oil and the bottom portion was the talc, beads and oil.Pouring the clear oil off exposed that the beads had settled and packedtightly preventing the beads from pouring out of the beaker. This samplecould not be placed in a drum or tank for shipping because the beadswould settle and plug the drum or tank.

[0040] A second sample was produced by adding talc to the oil andeliminating the beads initially. It was discovered that the oil acceptedapproximately 40% by weight of talc. After sitting overnight, there wasno separation between the talc and the oil. At that point, smalladditions of beads were added to the above mixture. The addition of 2%by weight of beads to the talc/oil mixture was encouraging. The beadssettled slightly but did not pack off. As the concentration of the beadswas increased in the mixture, it was discovered that the beads remainedsuspended in the mixture. FIG. 2 depicts graphical representations ofthe talc concentration as percent (%) by weight of oil versus thepercent (%) of beads suspended in oil. FIG. 2 illustrates that as thetalc concentration as a percent (%) by weight of the oil increases, thesuspension qualities of the liquid oil increases. As FIG. 2 illustrates,the talc concentration of 20 percent by weight of the liquid oilsuspends 100 percent of the copolymer beads.

[0041] The second sample was then heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for24 hours and the copolymer beads remained suspended. The mixture wasthen cooled to 35 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours and the copolymerbeads remained suspended. It was also discovered that the optimumconcentration of the beads was from about 20 percent to about 30 percentby weight of the oil, and the concentration of the talc should be around20 percent by weight of oil. Although this sample appears to be thebest, the concentration may vary.

[0042] The specific examples throughout the specification will enablethe present invention to be better understood. However, they are merelygiven by way of guidance and do not imply any limitations. Example 1conducted tests on a 9.9 pounds per gallon (ppg) water-based drillingfluid and Example 2 conducted tests on a 16.9 pounds per gallon (ppg)water-based drilling fluid. Example 3 conducted tests on the reductionof capillary forces in both the 9.9 ppg drilling fluid of Example 1 andthe 16.9 ppg drilling fluid of Example 2.

EXAMPLE 1

[0043] Test 1: Rheology & HPHT Results

[0044] In Example 1, a 9.9 pound per gallon water-based drilling fluidwas tested for the (a) the compatibility of the drilling fluid-such asrheology; and the yield point and gels in particular; (b) the highpressure high temp fluid loss-HPHT; (c) the filter cake wt./gram; and(d) the filter cake thickness (in inches). Parameters were first testedon the base mud. By comparison, 2 percent (%) by volume of the oil, talcand the beads mixture was added to the base drilling fluid and mixed for5 minutes on a waring blender. In Test 1 & Table 2, the followingrheology and HPHT results were noted: TABLE 2 Rheology & HPHT ResultsBASE & 2% TALC BASE MIXTURE % REDUCTION Density 9.9 PH Meter 10.3 600rpm 19 22 300 rpm 11 13 200 rpm 8 10 100 rpm 5 6 6 rpm 2 1 3 rpm 2 1 PV@120 F. 8 9 YP 3 4 Gels 10 sec/10 min 2/13 1/17 HPHT @ 200 12.0 8.0 33%Deg F./ml Cake Wt./g 5.9 5.4 8% Cake Thickness/inch 3/32 2/32 33%MBT/pbb 30 Solid/Oil/Water 10/00/90

[0045] The results of Example 1, Test 1 indicate the following: thetalc, bead and oil mixture was very compatible with the mud rheologywith only slight increases in yield point and gels. The HPHT fluid losswas reduced from 12.0 to 8.0; a 33% reduction, which is excellent. Thecake in weight in grams was reduced from 5.9 grams to 5.4 grams, an 8%reduction. The cake thickness in inches was reduced from {fraction(3/32)} to {fraction (2/32)}, a 33% reduction, which is also excellent.

EXAMPLE 1

[0046] Test 2: Dynamic Filtration

[0047] In Example 1, Test 2, the following dynamic filtration criteriawere tested: (a) Fluid loss versus time; (b) Filter cake wt/gram; and(c) Filter cake thickness in inches. The dynamic filtration data ofExample 1, Test 2 is set forth in Table 3 below: TABLE 3 DYNAMICFILTRATION 5 Darcy, 50 Micron Filter Media 200 Degrees F., 600 rpm@ 1000PSI for 60 Minutes Fluid Loss (ml) BASE & 2% TALC TIME (Minutes) BASEMIXTURE % REDUCTION Initial Spurt 1.5 trace 15 12.6 5.8 30 17.0 10.0 4521.2 14.0 60 24.0 16.8 30% Cake Wt/g 10.7 5.8 46% Cake Thickness/Inch3/32 2/32 33%

[0048] The results of Example 1, Test 2 are as follows: after 60minutes, the dynamic fluid loss was reduced from 24.0 ml to 16.8 ml, a30% reduction, which is excellent. The cake weight in grams was reducedfrom 10.7 grams to 5.8 grams, a 46% reduction, which is also excellent.The cake thickness was reduced from {fraction (3/32)} to {fraction(2/32)}, a 33% reduction, which is excellent.

EXAMPLE 1

[0049] Test 3: Lubricity Test

[0050] Table 4 below shows the test results of the lubricity of theadditive as torque is applied. TABLE 4 LUBRICITY TEST @ 60 rpmsCo-efficient of Friction of Water (0.33-0.36)= 0.33; i.e. reading at 150inch pounds is 33 Lubricity Reading (electric current required tosustain 60 rpm at applied torque) BASE & Applied Torque/ 2% TALC InchPounds BASE MIXTURE % REDUCTION 100 10 11 150 16 16 200 21 21 300 31 28400 44 37 500 66 50 600 80 65 19%

[0051] The lubricity results of Example 1, Test 3 indicate animprovement in lubrication was about 19% at the 600 reading on thelubricity tester.

EXAMPLE 1

[0052] Test 4: Texture of Dynamic Filter Cake Surfaces

[0053] The texture of the filter cake surfaces and the surfaces of thebase mud were also tested. The results were as follows: the texture ofthe surface of the base mud was extremely smooth and shinny. The textureof the Dynamic Filter Cake Surface of the base mud treated with 2% byvolume of the talc, bead and oil mixture was shinny and the copolymerbeads could be seen impregnated in the cake as well as protruding on thesurface of the cake.

EXAMPLE 2

[0054] Test 1: Rheology & HPHT Results

[0055] In Example 2, a 16.9 pound per gallon water-based drilling fluidwas tested for the (a) the compatibility of the drilling fluid-such asrheology; and the yield point and gels in particular; (b) the highpressure high temp fluid loss-HPHT; (c) the filter cake wt./gram; and(d) the filter cake thickness (in inches). Parameters were first testedon the base mud. By comparison, 2 percent (%) by volume of the oil, talcand the beads mixture was added to the base drilling fluid and mixed for5 minutes on a waring blender. In Example 2, Test 1, the followingrheology and HPHT results were noted in Table 5 below: TABLE 5 Rheology& HPHT Results BASE & 2% TALC BASE MIXTURE % REDUCTION Density 16.9 PHMeter 10.4 600 rpm 53 56 300 rpm 30 32 200 rpm 22 25 100 rpm 13 15 6 rpm2 3 3 rpm 1 2 PV@ 120 F. 23 24 YP 7 8 Gels 10 sec/10 min 4/19 5/27 HPHT@ 300 15.0 13.2 12% Deg F./ml Cake Wt./g 27.2 18.7 31% CakeThickness/inch 6/32 4/32 33%

[0056] The results of Example 2, Test 1 indicate the following: in Test2, Table 5, the talc, beads and oil mixture was very compatible with themud rheology with little change points and gel. The HPHT fluid loss wasreduced from 15.0 to 13.2, a 12% reduction, which is somewhat less thanexpected. The cake weight in grams was reduced from 27.2 grams to 18.7grams, a 31% reduction, which is a very good result. The cake thicknesswas reduced from {fraction (6/32)} to {fraction (4/32)}, a 33%reduction.

EXAMPLE 2

[0057] Test 2: Dynamic Filtration

[0058] In Example 2, Test 2, the following dynamic filtration criteriawere tested: (a) Fluid loss versus time; (b) Filter cake wt/gram; and(c) Filter cake thickness in inches. The dynamic filtration data ofExample 2, Test 2 is set forth in Table 6 below: TABLE 6 DYNAMICFILTRATION 10 Darcy, 35 Micron Filter Media 300 Degrees F., 600 rpm@1000 PSI for 60 Minutes Fluid Loss (ml) BASE & 2% TALC TIME (Minutes)BASE MIXTURE % REDUCTION Initial Spurt 1.0 0.5 15 25.2 17.6 30 38.0 25.045 46.0 31.4 60 53.2 36.0 32% Cake Wt/g 91 62 32% Cake Thickness/Inch18/32 12/32 33%

[0059] The results of Example 2, Test 2, Table 6 are as follows: after60 minutes, the dynamic fluid loss was reduced from 24.0 ml to 16.8 ml,a 32% reduction, which is an excellent result. The cake weight in gramswas reduced from 91 grams to 62 grams, a 32% reduction, which is a verygood result. The filter cake was reduced from {fraction (18/32)} to{fraction (12/32)}, a 33% reduction, which is also an excellent result.

EXAMPLE 2

[0060] Test 3: Lubricity Test

[0061] Table 7 below shows the test results of the lubricity of theadditive as torque is applied. TABLE 7 LUBRICITY TEST @ 60 rpmsCo-efficient of Friction of Water (0.33-0.36) = 0.33; i.e. reading at150 inch pounds is 33 Lubricity Reading (electric current required tosustain 60 rpm at applied torque) BASE & Applied Torque/ 2% TALC InchPounds BASE MIXTURE % REDUCTION 100 14 9 150 23 12 200 30 15 300 46 20400 60 23 500 76 25 600 92 28 70%

[0062] The lubricity results of Example 2, Test 3 indicate animprovement in lubrication was about 70% at the 600 reading on thelubricity tester, which is an excellent result.

EXAMPLE 2

[0063] Test 4: Texture of Dynamic Filter Cake Surfaces

[0064] The texture of the filter cake surfaces and the surfaces of thebase mud were also tested. The results were as follows: the texture ofthe surface of the base 16.9 ppg mud was smooth and shinny. The textureof the Dynamic Filter Cake surface of the base mud treated with 2% byvolume of the talc, bead and oil mixture was shinny and the copolymerbeads could be seen impregnated in the cake as well as protruding on thesurface of the cake.

EXAMPLE 3

[0065] Reduction in Capillary Attractive Forces of Examples 1& 2

[0066] In Example 3, the (dynamic) filter cake of the base mud wasplaced on a flat surface and a piece of glass ¼ inch thick and fourinches square was placed flat on the surface of the base mud filter cakeand allowed to sit for thirty minutes. An attempt was then made to liftthe glass from the filter cake. As the glass plate was lifted, thefilter cake followed and it was as though the filter cake was glued tothe glass.

[0067] The (dynamic) filter cake of the base mud to which 2% of theadditive of the present invention was added was placed on the flatsurface and the same process discussed above was duplicated. It wasfound that the piece of glass easily separated from the filter cakesurface, which was treated with the additive of the present invention.The results show that the additive mixture of the present inventiondefinitely reduced, if not, eliminated the capillary attractive forcesof the wall cake.

[0068] Since the above tests were conducted in open air on the countertop, it was determined that the same tests should be conducted whiletotally submerged in the drilling fluid. In running the same tests withthe filter cake and the 4 inch piece of glass completely submerged inthe drilling fluid, it would be concluded that no air would be presentin the filter cake or the glass surface and such a test would resemble awellbore filled with drilling fluid. This test results were as follows:the glass plate stuck more firmly to the submerged water-based mud wallcakes than it did in open air; and the glass plate would not stick tothe wall cakes of the water-based muds, which were treated with the 2%by volume of the drilling fluid additive of the present invention.

[0069] Talc, Graphite & Carrier

[0070] The benefits of using fine particle graphite and fine particleuintaite in drilling fluids by adding the dry products to the drillingfluids have been minimal. Over the years, graphite and uintaite(Gilsonite™) have been used to reduce fluid loss, provide lubrication,and help prevent bit and bottom hole assembly balling. Only marginalresults have been obtained by adding the dry powdered graphite anduintaite. These dry products seem to be hydrophobic by nature and do noteasily mix or disperse in the water based drilling fluids. Improving thefilter cake integrity of a drilling fluid is paramount in successfullydrilling a well. Drilling fluid specialists are constantly searching forbetter and more effective particle-plugging agents. Most frequently usedparticle plugging agents would be bentonite clay, lignite, starches,cellulose, polymers, ground mud shells, etc. In water-base drillingfluids, solids are essential to the mud system. Some of these solids arecalled commercial solids such as lignite, barite, bentonite and othersolids that are added on order to enhance the mud system. Other solidssuch as the formation being drilled or drilled solids are alsoincorporated in the drilling fluid. In water-based drilling fluids,water dilution is a necessity or the fluid becomes too thick the pump.As the solids content of the drilling fluid increases, the penetrationrate of the drill bit decreases. It is therefore desirable to achievethe maximum benefit from commercial solids which are added to thedrilling fluid by adding the smallest or least amount of commercialsolids in order to achieve sufficient particle plugging and to insuregood filter cake integrity. Dry products are added to the drilling fluidas pounds per barrel (ppb). It is an object of this invention to showthat fluid loss improvement and better filter cake integrity can beachieved with less commercial solids such as dry graphite and/oruintaite being added to the drilling fluid. This improvement can beattributed to admixing the graphite and uintaite dry powders to a liquidcarrier such as glycol and then admixing talc and 18-100 mesh copolymerbeads in order to suspend the graphite and uintaite in the liquidycarrier. The liquid graphite and uintaite suspension is more effectivewhile adding less overall solids to the drilling fluid. A graphite anduintaite suspension with carrier was formulated and the following testswere conducted:

[0071] 120 grams of glycol and 25 grams of graphite were mixed for 10minutes. To this mixture, 25 grams of uintaite was added and mixed for10 minutes. To this mixture, 10 grams of talc and 10 grams of polymerbeads was added and mixed at high speed until the mixture becameextremely hot to the touch, about 125-140 degree F. or for about 20-45minutes. The viscosity of the mixture thickens initially as all of thesolids are added to the carrier but as the temperature increases to110-135 degree F. the viscosity thins down. As this point 10 grams ofwater is added and mixed for about 10 minutes. The sample is thenallowed to cool to room temperature and is now ready to be compared tothe dry products.

EXAMPLE 4

[0072] Test 1: Comparison of Dry Graphite To Liquid Graphite Mixture

[0073] The addition of 2% of the graphite dispersion is equivalent toapproximately 2 ppb of graphite as compared to 8 ppb of dry graphite.The 2 ppb of graphite in the liquid carrier clearly outperforms the 8ppb of dry graphite.

[0074] The particle sizes of the graphite and uintaite should be suchthat 100% would pass through a 200 mesh shaker screen and at least 50%would pass through a 300 mesh shaker screen. The results of Example 4,Test 1 are set forth below in Table 8: TABLE 8 HPHT & Cake Wt.Comparison BASE MUD & BASE MUD & 8 ppb DRY 2% GRAPHITE BASE MUD GRAPHITEDISPERSION Density 17.3 17.3 17.3 pH Meter 11.5 11.5 11.5 600 rpm 82 11185 300 rpm 46 66 49 200 rpm 34 49 44 100 rpm 20 31 29 6 rpm 3 5 6 3 rpm2 4 5 PV @ 120 F. 36 45 36 YP 10 21 13 Gels 10 s/10 m/30 m 3/6/7 5/17/223/7/8 HPHT @ 300 8.4 7.8 5.6 Deg. F./ml. Cake Wt./g. 19 20 12.8 CakeThickness 4/32 4/32 3/32 (Inch.)

[0075] The results of Example 4, Test 1 indicate the following: the 2%graphite dispersion showed better results than the 8 ppb dry graphite.The HPHT fluid loss was reduced from 7.8 to 5.6; a 28% reduction, whichis excellent. The cake in weight in grams was reduced from 20 grams to12.8 grams, a 36% reduction, which is also excellent. The cake thicknessin inches was also reduced from {fraction (4/32)} to {fraction (3/32)}.

EXAMPLE 4

[0076] Test 2: Dynamic Filtration

[0077] In Example 4, Test 2, the following dynamic filtration criteriawere tested: (a) Fluid loss versus time; (b) Filter cake wt/gram; and(c) Filter cake thickness in inches. The dynamic filtration data ofExample 4, Test 2 is set forth in Table 9 below: TABLE 9 DYNAMICFILTRATION 10 Darcy, 35 Micron Filter Media 300 Degrees F., 600 rpm@1000 PSI for 60 Minutes BASE MUD & 8 ppb DRY BASE MUD & GRAPHITE 2%GRAPHITE Time/Minutes BASE MUD Fluid Loss/ml DISPERSION Initial SpurtTrace 0.0 0.0 15 7.0 3.6 1.0 30 10.8 8.8 2.8 45 13.8 11.4 4.6 60 16.013.6 8.2 Cake Wt. (g.) 44 38 28 Cake Thickness 8/32 7/32 5/32 (Inch)

[0078] The results of Example 4, Test 2, Table 9 are as follows: after60 minutes, the dynamic fluid loss was reduced from 13.6 ml to 8.2 ml, a40% reduction, which is an excellent result. The cake weight in gramswas reduced from 38 grams to 28 grams, a 26% reduction, which is a verygood result. The filter cake was reduced from {fraction (7/32)} to{fraction (5/32)} which is also a very good result.

EXAMPLE 4

[0079] Test 3: Lubricity Test

[0080] Table 10 below shows the test results of the lubricity of theadditive as torque is applied. TABLE 10 LUBRICITY TEST @ 60 rpmsCo-efficient of Friction of Water (0.33-0.36) = 0.33; i.e. reading at150 inch pounds is 33 Lubricity Meter Reading (electrical currentrequired to sustain 60 rpm at applied torque) BASE MUD & BASE MUD &Applied Torque/ 8 ppb DRY 2% GRAPHITE Inch Pounds BASE MUD GRAPHITEDISPERSION 100 11 11 8 150 17 16 12 200 23 22 21 300 34 32 28 400 44 4137 500 57 51 41 600 66 60 52

[0081] The lubricity results of Example 4, Test 3 indicate animprovement in lubrication was about 13% at the 600 reading on thelubricity tester, which is a very good result.

EXAMPLE 5

[0082] Test 1: Comparison of Dry Graphite to Liquid Graphite Mixture ina Lighter Weight Mud

[0083] The addition of 2% of the graphite dispersion is equivalent toapproximately 2 ppb of graphite as compared to 8 ppb of dry graphite ina lighter weight mud. The 2 ppb of graphite in the liquid carrierclearly outperforms the 8 ppb of dry graphite in the lighter weight mud.

[0084] The particle sizes of the graphite and uintaite should be suchthat 100% would pass through a 200 mesh shaker screen and at least 50%would pass through a 300 mesh shaker screen. The results of Example 5,Test 1 are set forth below in Table 11: TABLE 11 HPHT & Cake Wt.Comparison BASE MUD & BASE MUD & BASE 8 ppb DRY 2% GRAPHITE MUD GRAPHITEDISPERSION Density 10.7 10.7 10.7 pH Meter 10.5 10.5 10.5 600 rpm 30 3435 300 rpm 18 20 22 200 rpm 13 14 17 100 rpm 9 9 11  6 rpm 3 2 4  3 rpm2 2 3 PV @ 120 F. 12 14 13 YP 6 6 9 Gels 10 s/10 m/30 m 5/28 5/26 7/26HPHT @ 200 Deg. F./ 15.4 12.2 9.2 ml. Cake Wt. (g.) 14.0 13.0 10.5 CakeThickness (Inch) 4/32 4/32 3/32

[0085] The results of Example 5, Test 1 indicate the following: the 2%graphite dispersion showed better results than the 8 ppb dry graphite inthe lighter weight mud. The HPHT fluid loss was reduced from 12.2 to9.2; a 25% reduction, which is excellent. The cake in weight in gramswas reduced from 13 grams to 10.5 grams, a 19% reduction, which is alsoexcellent. The cake thickness in inches was also reduced from {fraction(4/32)} to {fraction (3/32)}.

EXAMPLE 5

[0086] Test 2: Dynamic Filtration

[0087] In Example 5, Test 2, the following dynamic filtration criteriawere tested: (a) Fluid loss versus time; (b) Filter cake wt/gram; and(c) Filter cake thickness in inches. The dynamic filtration data ofExample 5, Test 2 is set forth in Table 12 below: TABLE 12 DYNAMICFILTRATION 10 Darcy, 35 Micron Filter Media 300 Degrees F., 600 rpm@1000 PSI for 60 Minutes BASE MUD & 8 ppb BASE MUD & BASE DRY GRAPHITE 2%GRAPHITE TIME/Minutes MUD Fluid Loss/ml. DISPERSION Initial Spurt TraceTrace Trace 15 10.2 8.8 6.8 30 16.0 12.8 9.8 45 20.4 16.6 12.4 60 25.619.8 14.2 Cake Wt. (g.) 17.5 15.0 11.7 Cake 5/32 4/32 3/32 Thickness(Inch)

[0088] The results of Example 5, Test 2, Table 12 are as follows: after60 minutes, the dynamic fluid loss was reduced from 19.8 ml to 14.2 ml,a 28% reduction, which is an excellent result. The cake weight in gramswas reduced from 15 grams to 11.7 grams, a 22% reduction, which is avery good result. The filter cake was reduced from {fraction (4/32)} to{fraction (3/32)}, which is also a very good result.

EXAMPLE 5

[0089] Test 3: Lubricity Test

[0090] Table 13 below shows the test results of the lubricity of theadditive as torque is applied. TABLE 13 LUBRICITY TEST @ 60 rpmsCo-efficient of Friction of Water (0.33-0.36) = 0.33; i.e. reading at150 inch pounds is 33 Lubricity Meter Reading (electrical currentrequired to sustain 60 rpm at applied torque) BASE MUD & BASE MUD &Applied Torque/ BASE 8 ppb 2% GRAPHITE Inch Pounds MUD DRY GRAPHITEDISPERSION 100 12 11 10 150 18 17 15 200 22 20 18 300 33 30 26 400 47 4131 500 60 52 41 600 80 65 50

[0091] The lubricity results of Example 5, Test 3 indicate animprovement in lubrication was about 23% at the 600 reading on thelubricity tester, which is an excellent result.

EXAMPLE 6

[0092] Test 1: Comparison of Dry Graphite/Dry Uintaite to LiquidGraphite/Uintaite Mixture

[0093] The addition of 2% of the graphite/uintaite dispersion isequivalent to approximately 2 ppb of graphite/uintaite as compared to 4ppb of dry graphite and 4 ppb of dry uintaite. The 2% graphite/uintaitedispersion clearly outperforms the 4 ppb of dry graphite and 4 ppb ofdry uintaite.

[0094] The particle sizes of the graphite and uintaite should be suchthat 100% would pass through a 200 mesh shaker screen and at least 50%would pass through a 300 mesh shaker screen. The results of Example 5,Test 1 are set forth below in Table 14: TABLE 14 HPHT & Cake Wt.Comparison BASE MUD & BASE MUD & 4 ppb DRY 2% GRAPHITE/ GRAPHITE & 4 ppbUINTAITE BASE MUD DRY UINTAITE DISPERSION Density 16.2 16.2 16.2 pHMeter 11.5 11.5 11.5 600 rpm 91 100 102 300 rpm 54 60 58 200 rpm 40 4443 100 rpm 26 28 29  6 rpm 7 8 7  3 rpm 6 7 5 PV @ 120 F. 37 40 44 YP 1720 14 Gels 10 s/ 7/23 7/35 7/30 10 m/30 m HPHT @ 25 18.2 13.4 300 Deg.F./ ml. Cake Wt. (g.) 34 29 21 Cake 7/32 5/32 4/32 Thickness (Inch)

[0095] The results of Example 6, Test 1 indicate the following: the 2%graphite/uintaite dispersion showed better results than the 4 ppb drygraphite and 4 ppb dry uintaite. The HPHT fluid loss was reduced from18.2 to 13.4; a 26% reduction, which is excellent. The cake in weight ingrams was reduced from 29 grams to 21 grams, a 28% reduction, which isalso excellent. The cake thickness in inches was also reduced from{fraction (5/32)} to {fraction (4/32)}, a 20% reduction, which is alsoan excellent result.

EXAMPLE 6

[0096] Test 2: Dynamic Filtration

[0097] In Example 6, Test 2, the following dynamic filtration criteriawere tested: (a) Fluid loss versus time; (b) Filter cake wt/gram; and(c) Filter cake thickness in inches.

[0098] The dynamic filtration data of Example 6, Test 2 is set forth inTable 15 below: TABLE 15 DYNAMIC FILTRATION/ 10 Darcy, 35 Micron FilterMedia 300 Degrees F., 600 rpm@ 1000 PSI for 60 Minutes BASE MUD & 4 ppbDRY BASE MUD & GRAPHITE & 4 ppb 2% GRAPHITE/ BASE DRY UINTAITE UINTAITETIME/Minutes MUD Fluid Loss/ml. DISPERSION Initial Spurt Trace TraceTrace 15 17.4 15.2 12.0 30 27.6 24.0 18.2 45 35.6 30.8 23.0 60 42.4 36.426.2 Cake Wt./g. 69 57 41 Cake Thickness/ 14/32 11/32 8/32 Inch.

[0099] The results of Example 6, Test 2, Table 15 are as follows: after60 minutes, the dynamic fluid loss was reduced from 36.4 ml to 26.2 ml,a 28% reduction, which is an excellent result. The cake weight in gramswas reduced from 57 grams to 41 grams, a 28% reduction, which is anexcellent result. The filter cake was reduced from {fraction (11/32)} to{fraction (8/32)}, which is also an excellent result.

EXAMPLE 6

[0100] Test 3: Lubricity Test

[0101] Table 16 below shows the test results of the lubricity of theadditive as torque is applied. TABLE 16 LUBRICITY TEST @ 60 rpms/Co-efficient of Friction of Water (0.33-0.36) = 0.33; i.e. reading at150 inch pounds is 33 Lubricity Meter Reading (electrical currentrequired to sustain 60 rpm at applied torque) BASE MUD & BASE MUD & 4ppb DRY 2% GRAPHITE/ Applied Torque/ BASE GRAPHITE & UINTAITE InchPounds MUD 4 ppb DRY UINTAITE DISPERSION 100 8 7 6 150 12 10 9 200 17 1413 300 28 24 21 400 36 32 25 500 44 38 30 600 64 49 37

[0102] The lubricity results of Example 6, Test 3 indicate animprovement in lubrication was about 25% at the 600 reading on thelubricity tester, which is an excellent result.

[0103] Numerous modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the attendant claims attachedhereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drilling fluid additive system comprising: anadditive comprising graphite and at least one carrier; and hydrophilicclay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and at least onedispersant.
 2. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 1 furthercomprises copolymer beads.
 3. The drilling fluid additive system ofclaim 1 wherein said carrier is selected from a group consisting ofoils, hydrocarbon oils, vegetable oils, mineral oils, paraffin oils,synthetic oils, diesel oils, corn oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, esters,glycols, cellulose, olefins and mixtures thereof.
 4. The drilling fluidadditive system of claim 1 further comprises uintaite.
 5. The drillingfluid additive system of claim 1 wherein said carrier comprisespolypropylene glycol.
 6. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 1wherein said solids comprises from about 2% to about 50% of saidadditive; and said carrier comprises from about 50% to about 98% of saidadditive.
 7. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 2 wherein saidbeads comprises from about 2% to about 50% of said additive.
 8. Thedrilling fluid additive of claim 1 further comprises a weighting agent,said weighting agent is selected from a group consisting of bariumsulfate (barite), calcium carbonate, hematite, and salts.
 9. Thedrilling fluid additive system of claim 1 wherein said pH controller isselected from a group consisting of caustic acid, potassium hydroxide,lime and sodium hydroxide.
 10. The drilling fluid additive system ofclaim 1 wherein said fluid loss controller is selected from a groupconsisting of lignites, polyacrylamide and graphite uintaite(Gilsonite™) glycol dispersions.
 11. The drilling fluid additive systemof claim 1 wherein said hydrophilic clay is selected from a groupconsisting of bentonite and kaolin clay.
 12. The drilling fluid additivesystem of claim 1 wherein said dispersant is selected from a groupconsisting of lignite, lignosulfonate and tannin.
 13. The drilling fluidadditive system of claim 1 further comprises a chemical inhibitor, saidchemical inhibitor is selected from a group consisting of gypsum, lime,potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, potassiumformate and calcium sulfate.
 14. A drilling fluid additive systemmanufactured by a method comprising of: admixing graphite with at leastone carrier to create a suspended additive mixture, said suspendedadditive mixture allowing the surface of said graphite to be pre-wetwith said carrier prior to adding said mixture to a drilling fluid; andfurther admixing hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid losscontroller, and at least one dispersant to said drilling fluid additivesystem.
 15. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 14 furthercomprising admixing copolymer beads to said suspended mixture, saidcopolymer beads having an affinity for oils, esters, glycols andolefins.
 16. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 15 wherein saidbeads have a specific gravity at from about 1.0 to about 1.5 and a sizefrom about 40 microns to about 1500 microns.
 17. The drilling fluidadditive system of claim 15 wherein said beads are comprised of styreneand divinylbenzene.
 18. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 14wherein said carrier is selected from a group consisting of oils,hydrocarbon oils, vegetable oils, mineral oils, paraffin oils, syntheticoils, diesel oils, esters, glycols, cellulose, olefins and mixturesthereof.
 19. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 14 wherein saidgraphite comprises from about 2% to about 50% of said additive mixture;and said carrier comprises from about 50% to about 98% of said additivemixture.
 20. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 15 wherein saidbeads comprises from about 2% to about 50% of said additive mixture. 21.The drilling fluid additive system of claim 14 further comprisesadmixing a weighting agent, said weighting agent is selected from agroup consisting of barium sulfate (barite), calcium carbonate,hematite, and salts.
 22. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 14further comprises admixing a chemical inhibitor, said chemical inhibitoris selected from a group consisting of gypsum, lime, potassium chloride,potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, potassium formate and calciumsulfate.
 23. The drilling fluid additive system of claim 14 wherein saidpH controller is selected from a group consisting of caustic acid,potassium hydroxide, lime and sodium hydroxide.
 24. The drilling fluidadditive system of claim 14 wherein said fluid loss controller isselected from a group consisting of lignites, polyacrylamide andgraphite uintaite (Gilsonite™) glycol dispersions.
 25. The drillingfluid additive system of claim 14 wherein said hydrophilic clay isselected from a group consisting of bentonite and kaolin clay.
 26. Thedrilling fluid additive system of claim 14 wherein said dispersant isselected from a group consisting of lignite, lignosulfonate and tannin.27. A method of manufacturing a drilling fluid additive system, saidmethod comprising: shearing graphite with at least one carrier to createa suspended mixture to thereby allow the surface of said graphite to bepre-wet with said carrier; admixing copolymer beads to said suspendedmixture; and further admixing hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluidloss controller, and at least one dispersant to said drilling fluidadditive system.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein said carriercomprises oil and a glycol.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein saidcarrier is selected from a group consisting of oils, esters, glycols,cellulose, olefins and mixtures thereof.
 30. The method of claim 27further comprises admixing uintaite.
 31. The method of claim 27 whereinsaid carrier comprises soybean oil.
 32. The method of claim 27 whereinsaid graphite comprises from about 2% to about 50% of said additivemixture; said carrier comprises from about 50% to about 98% of saidadditive mixture; and said beads comprises from about 2% to about 50% ofsaid additive mixture.
 33. The method of claim 27 further comprisesallowing said beads to be pre-wet with said carrier and shearing until ahomogeneous mixture is formed.
 34. The method of claim 27 furthercomprises admixing a weighting agent, said weighting agent is selectedfrom a group consisting of barium sulfate (barite), calcium carbonate,hematite, and salts.
 35. The method of claim 27 further comprisesadmixing a chemical inhibitor, said chemical inhibitor is selected froma group consisting of gypsum, lime, potassium chloride, potassiumhydroxide, magnesium sulfate, potassium formate and calcium sulfate. 36.The method of claim 27 wherein said pH controller is selected from agroup consisting of caustic acid, potassium hydroxide, lime and sodiumhydroxide.
 37. The method of claim 27 wherein said fluid loss controlleris selected from a group consisting of lignites, polyacrylamide andgraphite uintaite (Gilsonite™) glycol dispersions.
 38. The method ofclaim 27 wherein said hydrophilic clay is selected from a groupconsisting of bentonite and kaolin clay.
 39. The method of claim 27wherein said dispersant is selected from a group consisting of lignite,lignosulfonate and tannin.
 40. The method of claim 27 further comprisinginjecting said system into a wellbore.
 41. A drilling fluid additivesystem comprising: a first mixture of graphite and oil in combinationwith a second mixture of graphite and glycol to form a drilling fluidadditive; and hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid losscontroller, and at least one dispersant.
 42. The drilling fluid additivesystem of claim 41 wherein said first mixture comprises from about 1% toabout 99% of said additive and said second mixture comprises from about1% to about 99% of said additive.